Interference Measurement Resource Configuration in LTE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately measuring channel states and inter-cell interference, leading to inefficiencies in channel estimation and increased transmission overhead due to limited configurations for reference signals.
Innovation Solution
The method involves increasing the number of reuse patterns for reference signals, configuring muting cycles and patterns for multi-cell channel estimation, and transmitting specific interference measurement resource information to User Equipment (UE) to perform accurate interference measurements by muting certain radio resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of reference signal configurations is increased to improve channel estimation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and transmission overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments reference signals into cell-specific reference signals (CRS) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) with different functions. CRS provides basic channel estimation while CSI-RS is specifically designed for channel state measurement and interference measurement. This segmentation allows accurate channel estimation without requiring a single complex reference signal configuration to handle all measurement types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple dimensions for reference signal differentiation: signal type (CRS vs. CSI-RS), frequency domain positioning (different resource blocks), and time domain positioning (different subframes). By utilizing these additional dimensions, the system achieves precise channel and interference measurement without increasing the complexity of individual reference signal configurations.
2Measurement precision
If more reference signals are transmitted to improve interference measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interference measurement function from the general reference signal and creates a dedicated interference measurement resource configuration. The base station configures specific resource elements for interference measurement that are separate from data transmission resources, allowing accurate interference measurement without requiring excessive reference signal transmissions across all resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by configuring reference signals with specific properties at specific locations in the time-frequency grid. Different resource blocks and subframes have different reference signal configurations optimized for their specific measurement purposes, rather than using a uniform high-overhead configuration across all resources.
3Measurement precision
If muting is applied to data resource elements to improve channel state measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but productivity decreases due to reduced data transmission resources
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs preliminary action by pre-configuring muting patterns and indicating to the user equipment which resource elements will be muted before data transmission begins. This allows the UE to know in advance where to perform channel state measurements without interference from data signals, eliminating the need for extensive post-transmission processing and reducing the impact on overall transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism where the base station sends muting configuration information to the UE. This intermediary layer coordinates between the need for accurate channel measurement (requiring muting) and the need for data transmission efficiency, allowing the system to achieve both goals through informed resource allocation rather than brute-force muting of all data resources.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing information indicating radio resources for multi-cell interference measurement at a BS so that a UE can more accurately measure interference are disclosed.